Last week our Associate Pastor began a series on The Others.
The Others are people that have been marginalized, not only by society in general, but by many Christians and by many Christian churches and/or denominations. Last week we looked at refugees, people fleeing their homelands due to violence, war, and persecution. Around the world there are millions of people that are leaving everything behind in search of safe places for themselves and for their children. They are so desperate for this safety that they are willing to surrender their old familiar way of living to start over in a foreign land.
Much has been made of the caravans of people that journey from Central America to the US southern border. As much as I am saddened by the desperation of the families that have made this difficult journey, I am also appalled by the many US Christians that would deny them the mercy and relief that they seek.
I get the rah rah patriotism and flag waving nationalism, but the Kingdom of God has no physical borders or boundaries. I am weary of and disgusted by the nationalistic approach to Christianity that has become so powerful in the US.
In the Bible, Jesus tells us that we can't have two masters; that we can't serve both God and mammon (wealth as an evil influence or idol). I think he would tell us the same thing about where our true citizenship lies; that we can't idolize our nation above our service to the Kingdom of God. Certainly we can serve our country within the Kingdom, but such service should never be in conflict with our service to God.
If you are a long time follower of Out of My Hat, you already know that I've never been a big fan of God and Country services that are held around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans' Day, etc. When we gather to worship God, we shouldn't expect him to share that time with anyone else.
I don't want to give the impression that I don't appreciate my citizenship in the US, I do.
But the United States of America is not my religion. Maybe it is time that we all took a good look at what or whom we worship. If country is more important than God, then maybe your god is too small to deserve your worship. If your god marginalizes and hates the same people that you do, maybe your god is of your own making.
Jesus showed that God loves the marginalized people -- the sinners, the tax collectors, the gentiles, the lepers, the lame and physically handicapped. Jesus showed that God is a God without borders.
Shouldn't his followers also be without borders?
Just a thought...
John <><
Sunday, April 28, 2019
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